| Etymology | Genus | Greek for water lily or promegranate, but now used for this unrelated genus |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Having rhomboid-shaped leaves | |
| Family | Malvaceae | |
| Synonyms | - | |
| Common Names | Arrow-leaf Sida | |
| Status | Undetermined | |
| Form | Shrub | |
| Native Distribution | Unknown but it is now found pantropically | |
Diagnostics:
Sida rhombifolia is a shrub that can be found in our open scrublands. It is easy to identify from the diamond-shaped serrated leaves and yellow flowers. However, it looks similar to another congener, Sida acuta. Despite this, the 2-3cm flower stalk is much longer and only have 1 or no projections on the seed (S. acuta is < 1cm and have 2 projections on the seed; Holm et al., 1977).
Interesting Facts:
The seeds (or more accurately, the mericap) are dispersed by adhering to clothing or animals using the sharp projections.
Shrubby form of the Arrow-leaf Sida.
Fruits. Note the long flower/fruit stalk.
Diamond-shaped serrated leaves.
Yellow flower.
Seed. Note the single sharp projection.
References
Holm LG & Plucknett DL & Pancho JV & Herberger JP. (1977) The World's Worst Weeds: Distribution and Biology. East-West Center/University Press of Hawaii. 609 pp.Author: Jake
Posted: 2014-11-01 / Modified: 2019-08-27